Glasgow, July 28: Sharmila Dhankar created history by becoming India’s first para athlete to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, clinching the women’s shot put F57 title in Glasgow with a season best throw of 9.81 metres.
The 40 year old ended India’s 20 year wait for a para athletics medal at the Commonwealth Games with her record breaking performance.
India also secured a bronze medal in the event after compatriot Shilpa Shyla was upgraded from fourth place following a successful protest.
Shyla recorded a personal best throw of 7.26 metres. Nigeria’s Eucharia Iyiazi was initially awarded bronze, but an official review ruled her only valid attempt a foul, resulting in Shyla being promoted to the bronze medal position. Reports said Nigeria may file a counter protest.
The F57 category is meant for athletes with lower limb impairments, limb deficiencies or reduced muscle power.
Sharmila’s achievement marks a remarkable personal journey. A native of Chhithroli in Haryana, she was affected by polio at the age of two, leaving her left leg impaired.
According to the Sports Authority of India, she overcame an abusive marriage before rebuilding her life with the support of her family. She later married businessman Ajit Singh from Rewari, who encouraged her to take up para athletics in 2020 under coach Tek Chand.
Within a year, Sharmila won the National Championship and went on to establish herself among India’s leading F57 shot put and discus throw athletes.
Earlier this year, she won gold at the Fazza International Para Athletics Championship. She had also represented India at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, where she finished fourth.
History has been created in Glasgow!
Congratulations to Sharmila for a very special Gold in the Women’s Shot Put F57 event and also for a season-best throw. This remarkable performance ends a two decade long wait for a Para Athletics Gold at the Commonwealth Games.
My best…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 28, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sharmila on her historic achievement, saying her gold medal ended India’s two decade wait for a Commonwealth Games para athletics gold and wished her success in future competitions.
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